DC Should Stop Turning Batman Into Iron Man

Often considered the most relatable superhero in the DC Universe, Batman is known for his lack of powers and reliance on human ingenuity. However, comics have frequently compromised the thing that has made him special by giving him an abundance of technology, causing him to resemble Tony Stark AKA Iron Man more than the classic Caped Crusader.

Since his inception, Batman has had a wide array of gadgets and vehicles to assist his war on crime. However, as the Dark Knight has been continually grounded in the modern world and his gadgetry has been updated, he has ironically become less believable. Throughout video games, comics, and other depictions of the Caped Crusader, he has become a less recognizable version of the hero. The bat family has often utilized technology to such a degree that they might as well have super powers, as seen in Batman #1 (2011), written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo.

When Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson need to go undercover at an event, it’s revealed they have the advantage of using holographic masks. As Dick tries to understand the technology, he asks for clarification, saying, “A contact lens with remote access? Meaning, anywhere you go, the Batcave goes with you?” The sophisticated gadgetry is intended for Bruce to appear more wealthy, with Batman as a vigilante who relies on down to Earth applications. However, since nothing like this exists in the real world, it quickly becomes detached from reality and feels closer to science fiction. In the past, Bruce has used movie quality disguises to go on undercover missions. With this issue, such practical alternatives are disregarded as old fashioned methods.

Batman’s best stories have been based around his adaptability to any situation, as he has used his mind to overcome problems that other heroes could use their powers to solve. Most notably depicted in Batman: Year One, Bruce was dependent on his skills in martial arts, only wearing tights and riding on a motorcycle through Gotham City. When Batman is susceptible to injury, the stakes of a story are amplified. As he has utilized multiple robotic suits of armor in recent years, comics can feel weightless. They might look cool, but they are often incorporated at the cost of suspense.

Although some storylines have managed to find a balance between the ingenuity of Bruce Wayne and the technology utilized by Batman, many modern comics struggle to also establish a sense of drama. When armored bat suits become overused, they become less special. As Bruce grew old in Kingdom Come, he wore a special armored costume, while also using sentient-like drones to protect Gotham City. Since he was reaching the end of his life, it made sense for him to rely on such technology, as he did similarly in Batman Beyond at times. Unfortunately, when a younger Batman is so dependent on science fiction quality gadgetry, it makes him loose some of his grandeur, as he doesn’t need to prove himself with his physical abilities.

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